How to Make Sparkling Tea at Home: 3 Ways

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The first sip of sparkling tea is like your favourite cuppa gone fizzy; familiar yet full of bubbles, light, and a bit playful. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy kit or barista skills to give it a go. Making carbonated tea at home is easy-peasy, affordable, and a brilliant way to enjoy something a little different.

In this easy sparkling tea recipe, I’ll take you through three simple methods:

1️⃣ Cold brewing directly in sparkling water

2️⃣ Brewing a strong tea concentrate and topping it with soda water.

3️⃣ Creating a sweet tea simple syrup to mix with fizz.

Each approach delivers a crisp, refreshing glass of sparkling iced tea, and you can add fruits, herbs, or garnishes to make it entirely your own.

If you are after a healthier alternative to fizzy drinks, a cooling summer refreshment, or curious about how to make sparkling tea at home, my guide will get you bubbling along in no time!

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🍹 What is Sparkling Tea?

Sparkling tea is simply tea that’s been given a fizzy twist by adding carbonation. It’s usually made by mixing brewed tea with soda water or carbonated water, creating a refreshing drink that feels a bit like a cross between iced tea and sparkling water. The bubbles lift the flavour, and you can customise it with sweeteners, fresh fruit, or herbs. Served chilled or over ice, sparkling tea is a light, bubbly alternative to fizzy drinks or cocktails, perfect for summer or anytime you fancy something different.

🍹 Why Sparkling Tea is Trending

These days, more and more people are cutting back on alcohol, and low- or no-alcohol drinks are on the rise. Sparkling tea fits this shift perfectly: it’s refreshing, flavourful, and endlessly versatile.

And the best part? Sparkling tea has 0% ABV! This makes it an ideal swap for wine, beer, or cocktails. Unlike fizzy sodas, it carries the natural complexity of tea; the slight astringency adds depth, giving a layered taste that can feel similar to alcohol. This makes sparkling tea a brilliant choice for a sophisticated non-alcoholic mocktail.

You may be looking for a healthier option, a celebration-worthy alcohol-free toast, or you may be curious about how to make sparkling tea at home. This trend is bubbling up everywhere, and it’s definitely here to stay!

🍹 Three Easy Ways to Make Sparkling Tea at Home

If you’ve ever wondered how to make sparkling tea at home, the good news is there’s more than one way to enjoy this fizzy, refreshing drink. You may prefer a light infusion, a bold tea concentrate, or a sweet twist with tea simple syrup, each method delivers its own take on sparkling iced tea. Below are three easy techniques you can try at home.

1. Sparkling Infused Tea (Cold Brew in Soda Water)

For a gentle, refreshing flavour, try making cold brew sparkling tea in soda water. Simply add loose-leaf tea or tea bags to sparkling water, let it infuse in the fridge for 4–6 hours, then strain. This method works brilliantly with green tea or herbal blends like mint and chamomile, giving you a naturally flavoured carbonated tea without any added sugar.

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2. Sparkling Tea Concentrate (Tea + Soda Water)

If you prefer a bolder taste, the concentrate method is perfect. Brew a strong tea, then let it cool completely. Pour the concentrate into a glass and top it with chilled soda water for an instant fizz. This approach is often called the sparkling tea recipe concentrate method and creates a fuller flavour that pairs well with lemon, honey, or fresh fruit.

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3. Sparkling Tea with Tea Simple Syrup

For a sweeter, customisable version, make a flavoured tea simple syrup. Brew your favourite tea, simmer it with sugar (or honey), then chill. To serve, add a splash of the syrup to sparkling water and stir. This is a fun way to create flavoured sparkling iced teas at home, try matcha honey syrup with lemon slices, hibiscus syrup for a vibrant pink fizz, or even spiced pumpkin chai syrup for a warming winter twist. It’s one of the easiest ways to create flavoured carbonated tea without relying on store-bought drinks.

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🥣 Equipment Needed for Sparkling Tea

Before you start, here are a few handy items that make the process simple:

• Teapot or heatproof jug with lid (for brewing concentrate)

• Strainer or infuser (if using loose leaf tea)

• Measuring spoons or jigger (for syrup)

• Chilled glasses (to serve)

• Ice cubes

• Sparkling water or soda water (kept cold for maximum fizz)

🍹 Tips for Making Sparkling Tea at Home

1. Start with good-quality tea: For the best sparkling iced tea, use high-quality tea leaves or tea bags. Stronger flavours stand up well to carbonation. A good rule of thumb is 1–2 tea bags (or teaspoons of loose leaf) per cup of sparkling water.

2. Sweeten with simple syrup: Since sugar doesn’t dissolve well in cold liquids, simple syrup is the easiest way to add sweetness. Stir in 1–2 tablespoons per cup of sparkling water, or adjust to your taste. Honey and agave syrup also work beautifully. If making a tea concentrate, you can add granulated sugar while the tea is still hot.

3. Keep it fizzy with cold soda water: Always use chilled carbonated water or soda water. The colder it is, the longer the bubbles last, keeping your tea lively and refreshing.

4. Customise your flavours: This is where sparkling tea gets exciting! Add slices of lemon, berries, or cucumber for a fruity lift. Fresh herbs such as mint, basil, or rosemary pair wonderfully with green or white teas. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your favourite flavour combo.

5. Serve it ice cold: For maximum refreshment, serve in a chilled glass filled with ice. A garnish of fruit or herbs not only adds flavour but also makes your homemade carbonated tea look as good as it tastes.

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🍹 How to Make Easy Sparkling Tea at Home: 3 Ways

Option 1: Sparkling Infused Tea (Cold Brew in Soda Water)

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1-2 tea bags or 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf

• 1 cup (8fl oz) sparkling water/soda water

• 1-2 tablespoons of agave/simple syrup - optional

• Slices of fruit/mint sprigs - to serve

Method

• Pour two cups of the sparkling water into a glass bottle with a tight fitting lid. Alternatively, use the original sparkling water bottle and adjust the number of tea bags for the amount of sparkling water.

• Next, add the agave/simple syrup and tea bags. Screw the lid on tightly and give it a little shake to mix up the ingredients.

• Place in the fridge and allow to infuse for at least 4 hours, overnight is better. I would recommend no longer than 48 hours.

Option 2: Sparkling Tea Concentrate (Tea + Soda Water)

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 3-4 tea bags or 3-4 teaspoons of loose leaf

• 1/2 cup (4 fl oz) hot water

• 1–2 tablespoons granulated sugar, honey, or agave - to taste

• 1–2 cups (8–16 fl oz) sparkling water/soda water

• Fruit slices, lemon, or herbs – to garnish

Method

1. Brew the tea bags or loose leaf in 1/2 cup of hot water for 3–5 minutes, depending on the tea type.

2. While the tea is still hot, stir in granulated sugar if using; it dissolves best at this stage. Honey or agave can also be added once slightly cooled.

3. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

4. When ready to serve, pour the concentrate into glasses filled with ice.

5. Top each glass with cold sparkling water, adjusting strength to taste.

6. Garnish with lemon, berries, or herbs, and enjoy your bold and refreshing sparkling iced tea.

Option 3: Sparkling Tea with Tea Simple Syrup

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 3-4 tea bags or 3-4 teaspoons loose leaf

• 1 cup (8 fl oz) water

• 1 cup (8 fl oz) sugar (or honey/agave)

• 2 cups (16 fl oz) sparkling water/soda water

• Optional garnish: lemon, hibiscus syrup and berries, chai syrup and cinnamon sticks

Method

1. Brew the tea in 1 cup of hot water for 3–5 minutes, then remove the tea bags or strain the leaves.

2. In a small pan, combine the brewed tea with sugar, stirring until fully dissolved to create a tea simple syrup. Allow to cool completely. (Store in the fridge for up to 4 weeks).

3. To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour in 2–3 tablespoons of the tea syrup to taste.

4. Top up with sparkling water, adjusting syrup to taste.

5. Garnish with fruit or herbs, try lemon slices, fresh mint, or berries for a tasty carbonated tea.

Serving & Flavour Variations

One of the best parts of sparkling iced tea with fruit garnish is how easy it is to customise. Add a splash of matcha syrup with fresh lemon slices for a zesty lift, or toss in a handful of berries for natural sweetness. Mint leaves keep things cooling, while cucumber slices give a crisp, spa-like twist. Mix and match until you find your perfect fizzy flavour!

Health & Wellness Benefits

Are you wondering is sparkling tea is healthy? The answer is yes! It’s a lighter, lower-sugar alternative to fizzy drinks, packed with antioxidants from the tea itself. Choose black or green tea for a gentle caffeine boost, or go with herbal blends for a soothing, caffeine-free option. However you brew it, sparkling tea is a refreshing way to enjoy health benefits without the excess sugar.

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Sparkling Infused Tea (Cold Brew Method) – Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1–2 tea bags or 1–2 tsp loose leaf
• 2 cups (16 fl oz) sparkling water or soda water
• 1–2 tbsp agave or simple syrup (optional)
• Fruit slices or mint sprigs – to serve

Method

1. Pour sparkling water into a bottle with a tight-fitting lid (or use the original bottle).
2. Add tea bags and optional syrup, then seal and shake gently.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Do not exceed 48 hours.
4. Serve over ice, garnished with fruit or mint.

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Sparkling Tea Concentrate Recipe – Serves 2

Ingredients

• 3–4 tea bags or 3–4 tsp loose leaf
• ½ cup (4 fl oz) hot water
• 1–2 tbsp sugar, honey, or agave (to taste)
• 1–2 cups (8–16 fl oz) sparkling water
• Fruit slices, lemon, or herbs – to garnish

Method

1. Brew tea in hot water for 3–5 minutes.
2. While hot, stir in sugar to dissolve fully. (Honey or agave can be added once cooled slightly.)
3. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Pour concentrate over ice, top with soda water, and adjust strength to taste.
5. Garnish with lemon slices, berries, or herbs.

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Sparkling Tea with Tea Simple Syrup – Serves 2

Ingredients

• 3–4 tea bags or 3–4 tsp loose leaf
• 1 cup (8 fl oz) water
• 1 cup (8 fl oz) sugar (or honey/agave)
• 2 cups (16 fl oz) sparkling water
• Optional: lemon slices, hibiscus syrup with berries, or chai syrup with cinnamon stick

Method

1. Brew tea in hot water for 3–5 minutes, then remove tea bags or strain leaves.
2. In a pan, combine brewed tea and sugar. Stir until fully dissolved to create a tea simple syrup.
3. Allow syrup to cool completely (store in the fridge for up to 4 weeks).
4. To serve, fill glasses with ice, add 2–3 tbsp syrup, and top with sparkling water.
5. Garnish with fruit or herbs for extra flavour.

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10 FAQs About Sparkling Tea

1. What is sparkling tea?

Sparkling tea is regular tea infused with bubbles by adding soda water or another carbonated base. The result is a fizzy, refreshing drink that tastes like a cross between iced tea and sparkling water. Try adding matcha syrup and lemon slices for a flavourful carbonated iced tea!

2. What is carbonated tea?

Carbonated tea is simply another name for sparkling tea. It’s tea that’s been mixed with carbonated water to create a bubbly, refreshing twist on your favourite brew.

3. What is the best tea to use for sparkling tea?

Any tea works, but black tea gives a bold fizz, green tea is fresh and grassy, white tea is delicate, and herbal blends like mint or chamomile are naturally caffeine-free. Choose the tea that matches your taste.

4. When should I drink sparkling tea?

Sparkling iced tea is perfect on hot days, at summer parties, or anytime you want a healthier alternative to fizzy drinks, cocktails, and mocktails. It also makes a great mid-day pick-me-up.

5. Does sparkling tea contain caffeine?

That depends on the tea you use. Black, green, oolong, and white teas all contain caffeine, while many herbal teas (including mint or chamomile) and decaf options make caffeine-free sparkling teas.

6. Can you make sparkling tea at home?

Yes! It’s easy to learn how to make sparkling tea at home. Just brew a concentrate and top it with soda water, or cold brew your favourite tea directly in sparkling water.

7. How long does sparkling tea last?

Homemade sparkling tea is best enjoyed fresh, while it’s still fizzy. If stored in the fridge, it can last up to 24 hours, though the bubbles may fade.

8. Can sparkling tea be sweetened?

Absolutely! You can use honey, simple syrup, or flavoured syrups such as matcha syrup or fruit blends. Sweeteners pair wonderfully with the bubbles.

9. Is sparkling tea healthy?

Yes! Carbonated tea is a lighter alternative to soda, with fewer calories and added antioxidants from tea. For the healthiest option, skip refined sugar and sweeten naturally.

10. Can I add fruit or herbs to sparkling tea?

Yes! Fresh lemon, berries, mint, or even cucumber can elevate your homemade sparkling iced tea into a refreshing, custom drink.

More refreshing iced tea recipes that you will love:

👉 Iced biscoff latte - with strong black tea!

👉 Mint tea agua fresca - with Moroccan mint tea and watermelon (plus optional white rum!)

👉 Iced tea - The easiest and speediest recipe!

👉 Arnold palmer drink - a refreshing drink made with iced tea and lemonade!

It is important to note that any health advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall health. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.